Automatic feeder and transfer mechanism for tobacco ordering machines



w. w. MICHAUX, JR 2,612,982 AUTOMATIC FEEDER AND TRANSFER MECHANISM FOR TOBACCO ORDERING MACHINES Oct. 7, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 26, 1949 INVENTOR. I M 81? MMzb/zaax, Jr. 5W WW Ju- !!ar'flfj H SW I W. W. MLCHAUX," JR AUTOMATIC FEEDER AND TRANSFER MECHANISM Oct. 7, 1952 FOR TOBACCO.ORDERlNG MACHINES:

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 26, 1949 Oct. 7, 1952 w w. M1cH Aux,JR- 2,612,982

AUTOMATIC FEEDER AND TRANSFER MECHANISM Filed May 26, 1949 FOR TOBACCO ORDERING MACHINES V Y 7 3, Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Oct. 7, 1952 UNITED *STATZES "PATENT AUTOMATIC FEEDER AND TRANSFER MECH- ANISM iFQR TOBACCO ORDERING "MA- CHINES William :W.::Michaux, J r., Richmond, Va.

Application'fMay 26, 1949,SerialNo.195,527

For the foregoing reasons, it'iscustomaryto run the hands of tobacco through an ordering machine before they'are'fed'into thestemming machine.

The ordering machine consists (generally of a box or tunnel of approximatelyififtyi'to eighty feet in length .and six to "twelve feet wide "to accommodate a wire-mesh belt six 'to 'twelve feet in width. The upper pass of this belt is supported on rollers within the'box onto which the hands of tobacco are fed as the'Lblt enters the box. Mechanism is provided to drivethe belt at 'a slow speed. Steam is introduce'dinto thelbox so that, as the hands-of tobacco .passtherethrough they absorb moisture. Thus as ithe.- handsemerge, the leaves aresoft andpliable andlthe'hands are then ready to run through "the stemming .machine to remove the stems from the leaves. The ordering box also has mechanism whereby the speed of its belt may be varied.

As previously stated, the belt. of the ordering machine is six feet or more ,in widthandruns at a speed of only a few feet per minute. .Hence, for proper and economical operation, it is. essential that the belt or apron be fully and evenly loaded with hands of tobacco. Hereto'fore, the loading of the ordering machine blt'has'been largely done by hand and was a relatively expensive procedure because it required a number of operators to place the'hands of tobacco upon the belt in an orderly arrangement.

It is therefore the main object of this invention to provide an automatic feeder .for an,

at full capacity.

A furtherobject is the provision or a feeding i3 0laims. (Cl. 198-24) and-loading mechanism'for a-n orderingmachine which can be readily applied 'to existing machines without material changes therein.

A still further object is "a feeding and loading mechanism of the character previously explained which .is operated in timed relation with "the ordering machine, relatively simple to-construct and install, positive in operation, which will effect substantial reduction in labor costs in processing tobacco and "which 'will' place thetobacco in 'straight position upon the orderingmachine apron.

Another object is the provision of aimethod-of loadingthe apron or'belt .ofan ordering machine inatimeandlaboresaving manner.

Other objects and advantages will "become apparent after a study of the following description in connec'tionwith the accompanying drawing wherein,

Figure 1 is aplan view of the loading end of an ordering machinewiththe automatic feeder of the invention attached'thereto.

Figure 2 is a side elevation corresponding to Figure 1 and-Ilooking'fromleftto right, Figural, with the scrapermoving on its working stroke to'trans'fer a number of (hands of tobacco; from the feed "belt to 'the ordering .machine"belt..or

apron.

Figure 3 is a view corresponding to .a position wherein the-scraper. has completed its working stroke and is about to begin its returnstroke. Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 3 'butshowing the partsin the position wherein thescraper is descending toward the feedbelt. Figure 5 is-gan end elevation of the invention .looking toward theordering .machine with .the

scraper and its operating .parts in substantially the same position asthat shown .uponFigure2, parts being broken away .to show the feed .b'elt.

Figure 6, is, an end elevation corresponding .to

"Figure 5 showing ,thescraper descending toward a working stroke and with the parts .in about the same position as that showninjFigure 5 3.1 0!- itions beingbroken-away to show .the feed'belt.

Figure'l'is a ,detailsectional view taken in a planeindicated'by theline"!.'l of Figure 1 and showing the .scraper after it has moved part way across the "feed .belt in a working stroke, and

Figure '8 isadetail perspective view of the, mechanism .to obstruct the flow of tobacco up the feed 'belt during the time the scraper .is making a working stroke.

Referring in detail to the drawing, :1 identifies one end of an ordering machine which consists generally of along box like structure "having a end shown, at Figures 1 through 4, the belt 5,

passes about a large drum 9 having a shaft it, Figure 6, journaled in bearings ll adjustably mounted by brackets 52 for horizontal movement to vary the tension of the belt in a manner well known in the art. Brackets I2 are carried by corner posts forming a part of the frame of the ordering machine. The belt is driven by a motor and variable-speed drive, neither of which is shown, connected to drive a shaft l3, Figure 1. Any suitable positive drive device such as gears and shafting (not shown), may be used to connect drum 9 for positive operation from shaft 43. Belt 5 may be supported and driven in a like mannerat the other end of the ordering box.

The structure described in the foregoing paragraphs is well known and, apart from the combination claimed, forms no part of the invention.

A pair of track members it and it, Figure 1, each about six feet long, are rigidly mounted in spaced parallel relation at the respective upper corners of the ordering box. Each track has a bearing l6 and H fixed adjacent its rearward end. A horizontal shaft 18 is journaled in these bearings and extends completely across the machine. Shaft I8 is driven from shaft l3 by a pulley 19 on shaft l3, 2. V-belt 20, extending to and driving a speed reducer 2!. The output shaftof speed reducer 2| carries a sprocket 22 connected by a chain 23 with a sprocket gear 24 fixed to the left end of shaft [8 as viewed in Figure 1. The speed ratios are so selected that sprocket gear 24 will be rotated on the order of twelve R. P. M. in timed relation with shaft I3.

Parallel cranks 25 and 28 are fixed to the left and right ends, respectively, of shaft 18 and have an effective radius a little greater than the width of the feed belt 2?, subsequently described.

A scraper frame, generally identified by the numeral 28 and best shown at Figure 1, comprises a pair of spaced parallel transverse members 29 and 30, connected by a pair of spaced parallel end members 31 at the left end as viewed in Figure 1, and 32 at the right end. A pair of rollers 33 and 34 are journaled between members 3!, as clearly shown at Figure 1, to run on track l4. Similarly a second pair of rollers 35 and 38, are journaledbetween members 32, to run on track IS. The scraper frame is thus mounted for translation on and along tracks M and I5 and, at times, as will be subsequently described, for pivoting about rollers 33 and 35.

, The transverse members 29 and 33 project at each end a short distance beyond members 3| and 32. At the left these transverse members are connected by an end member '31 and at the right by an end member 33. At the left, as seen in Figure 1, a pitman 39 is pivoted at one end to the end of crank 25 and at its other end to the central portion of end member 37. Likewise at the right, pitman 4D is pivotally connected with crank 26 and the central portion of end member 33. Pitmans 39 and 43 are rigidly united about midway between their ends, by a connector 4 bar M. It will be noted upon Figure 1 that a portion of this bar has been broken away to show transverse frame member 29 lying beneath it.

A scraper or transfer board 42, which may con viently be three-fourth inch plywood, has its up per edge secured to transverse member 33 of frame 28. This board has a length about equal to the width of conveyor belt 5, and a width such that, when all four rollers 33 through 36 rest upon tracks I4 and IS, the lower edge of the board will be a little above the top pass of feed belt 27, as clearly indicated upon Figures 5 and 7.

The central portion of scraper 32 is reinforced by a brace 43 secured at one end to the board, as shown at Figure 7, and at its other end to the projecting end of a central brace-bar M rigidly united as by welding to the central portions of transverse members 29 and 3B. The frame 28 is conveniently constructed of lengths of angle iron welded together.

From the foregoing description, the movement of frame 28 and scraper 42 will be clear. When the scraper 42 is in the position shown at Figure 1, crank arms 25 and 26 are in their forward horizontal, or dead-center positions and the scraper is spaced a little beyond the adjacent edge of feed belt 2?. As the cranks are rotated counterclockwise as seen in Figures 2, 3, and 4 under drive from shaft l8, chain 23 and speed reducer 2!, the pitmans 39 and 43 act to draw frame 28 across feed belt 2'! with its lower edge closely adjacent the belt. During this portion of the cycle, the frame is supported by all four rollers 33 through 35, as they roll upon tracks I4 and 15. Figures 2 and 7 show the positions of the parts as the scraper is part way across the feed belt in its motion to scrape or transfer tobacco from feed belt 27 to conveyor belt 5. The translation of frame 28 on and along tracks M and I5 continues until cranks 2d and 25 pass the rearward horizontal or dead-center position shown at Figure 3. At this instant connector bar 4| engages the rear portion of frame 28 to the rear of rollers 33 and and causes the frame to tilt upwardly about the common axis of those rollers. This movement acts to raise scraper 42 sharply upwardly away from the belts. As cranks 24 and 25 continue their rotation the frame undergoes a combined translation forwardly along tracks I4 and I5 and a rotation about the common axis of rollers 33 and 35. At about the time the cranks pass the downwardly-directed vertical position, pitmans 39 and permit the frame to pivot clockwise as seen in Figure 4 until, at the completion of a cycle, the parts have returned to the position of Figure 1' with the scraper ready to start a new working stroke.

Feed belt 2? has been previously mentioned. As seen in Figures 1, 5 and 6 this belt passes about a driving roller 45 driven from shaft [3 by a conventional chain and sprocket connection Z6. The upper and lower horizontal passes of belt 21 extend above and below a backing board ll rigidly supported from the legs of the frame. As best shown upon Figure '7, board 41 is wider than belt 21 and extendsover belt 5 about six inches farther than belt 21. At its'other edge board l'l has a longitudinally and upwardly extending lip 47a to prevent tobacco from falling off the adjacent side of the belt. It will also be noted from Figures 5, 6 and 7, that both the upper delivery pass and the lower return pass of belt 27 extend above and closely adj acent belt 5.

Belt 2! passes over guide rollers 48, Figures 5 andG, and then turns downwardly, at a small angletto provide .aistraight uppenspassvof anydepiling upagainstthe end "of the scraper board during the time that it is transferring tobacco to the ordering 'machinefi'beltoraapron, I provide an obstructor generally-identified by the numeral of the belt support each has an upri-ght orleg 52 and 53 secured thereto. "These "uprights .pivotally support a rod 54 towhich a metal'plate 55 of fairly heavy -gauge,'is secure'drasby welding. As best shown upon Figured, this plate'has a .pair of identical claws 56 secured-toand project ing downwardly from itsforward'edge.

A bar '51 is secured at :one "endito the-front central portion of plate" 55 ,and'extends forwardly therefrom. ,A Jlever -58,fbent:to"'the generalform shown at Figures2, 3, and 4, is pivoted at 59upon -80 to the position shown inFigure 3,;it=aots to raise plate 55 about rod '54 -and toelevat lclaws 56 out of operative relation with feed belt or apron 21.

Clockwise movement of lever 58 is controlled by a roller 62 (See Figure 1) pivoted upon a shaft 63 attached to member 31 and outer bar 3! and thus integral with frame 28. When cranks 24 and 25 are in the rear dead-center position of Figure 3 roller 62 is free of lever 58 and claws 55 are at maximum elevation approximately as shown at Figure 6. As the cranks continue their counterclockwise rotation, the roller 62, in its forward pivotal and translatory movement, picks up lever 58 at about the position shown in Figure 4. Further downward pivotal movement of frame 28 causes the lever to pivot downward against the tension of sprin to with a corresponding downward pivotal movement of plate 55 and its claws 56 until, when the scraper or transfer board begins a working stroke, the claws are fully lowered adjacent belt 21 and act to obstruct further movement of tobacco onto the delivery pass of the belt.

The gear ratios are so selected that belt 21 moves a distance substantially equal to the width of belt or apron 5, during the time interval in which frame 28 carrying scraper 42 has started to pivot about the axis of rollers 33 and 35 on its return stroke. Thus, by the time the frame and scraper have returned to the position shown in Figure 1, ready for another working stroke, the delivery pass or section of belt 21 is fully loaded with hands of tobacco. By delivery pass is meant that portion of the top pass of belt 21 lying between the edges of belt 5. By "loading pass, as referred to belt 5, is meant that portion of the upper pass of this belt extending rearwardly from edge 21a of belt 21, that is, in the direction of arrow A, a distance substantially equal to, or a little greater than, the width of belt 21.

:Opemtion *The'qperation of "the combined ordering ma- "chine and automatic feeding attachment will "now be ,clear. With :the machine operating, a

number of attendants are stationed along the inclined section ofblt 21 (which maybe of any desired-length) and"keepthis section loaded as evenlyias*possible,with al'ayer of tobacco several :hands in thickness, the hands, being placed transversely 'upon the "belt with the butt ends adjacent :edge "21a. At aboutthe'time'the deflivery passof belt'21 is fully loaded, scraper '42 beginsitsworkingstroke and, simultaneously engaging the forward ends of the hands, :pulls or transfers "them onto belt or apron'5 which then "beginsto move "into .the"m'achine. By the time scraper 42 has "completed the "cycle and is again 'in' position'shown at'lligure .1,belt 5 has moved the'previous load Offtdbaccojust enough to prei sent a fresh surface ofbltQ At the same instant belt fl has'moveda' distance 'suiiicient so that its delivery'pass is"fully1oaded throughout the width of belt "5. In Tithis way, the ordering machine belt isfully and evenly loaded andoperates at ,maxirnumbapacity.

'It. is contemplated that the parts maybe reversed from the position shown upon the drawing, so that scraper-operating mechanismoperates from the opposite side of thelbelt i2l fromthe 32c sshowntopush the tobacco'onto the apron or it" have thus provided an automatic feeder for an ordering :machine that is relativelyv simple and ;inexpensive "to construct, reliable in operation and which can be attached to existing ordering machines without substantial alteration of the machine itself. While I haveshown the form of feeder attachment now preferred by me, modifications will readily occur to those skilled in this art after a study of the foregoing disclosure. Hence such disclosure should be taken in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. It is my desire and intention to reserve all such modifications as fall within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having now fully disclosed the invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a. feeding attachment for a tobacco ordering machine having a main belt with a horizontal loading pass, a feed belt, means for mounting said feed belt to have a horizontal delivery pass movable closely over and transversely across the loading pass of the ordering machine, a pair of spaced normally horizontal tracks fixed at right angles to said feed belt, and parallel with the main belt, a frame, scraper means on said frame, first and second pairs of coaxial rollers journaled on said frame and mounting the same for movement on and along tracks, a shaft journaled at right angles to said tracks, first and second parallel crank arms fixed to said shaft, first and second pitmans each pivoted at one end to a respective crank and at the other end to said frame to move said scraper across said feed belt in a feeding stroke, means carried by said pitmans to engage said frame at the end of said feeding stroke to pivot said frame and scraper about the axis of said first pair of rollers to thereby elevate said scraper means during the return stroke of said frame, and power-driven means driving said shaft and feed belt in timed relation.

2. In an automatic feeder for a tobacco-ordering machine, a feed belt having a normally horizontal delivery pass, a pair of spaced horizontal about the axis of said rollers, a power-driven shaft, first and second parallel cranks fixed to said shaft, first and second pitmans each pivoted at one end to a respective crank and at the other end to said frame, means carried by said pitmans to engage said frame at a predetermined point in the rotation of said cranks to pivot said frame about the axis of said rollers simultaneously with its translation along said tracks, whereby said scraper is raised from said feed belt in translation thereacross in one direction, and lowered substantially onto said belt in translation thereacross in the other direction. I

3. In an automatic belt loading mechanism for a tobacco-ordering machine having a main conveyor belt with a horizontal exposed loading section at one end thereof, a feed belt narrower than said main belt, means mounting a delivery section of said feed belt for horizontal movement transversely across and closely adjacent the loading section of said main belt, power driven means connected with both belts to simultaneously drive the same at speeds such that each belt moves in its longitudinal direction a distance equal to the Width of the other in the same time interval, a pair of tracks fixed adjacent and parallel with respective sides of said main belt, a scraper frame, a first pair of aligned rollers journaled on said frame, a second pair of aligned rollers journaled on said frame, one roller of each pair rolling on a respective track whereby said frame is mounted on said tracks for translation transversely of said feed belt and for tilting about the axis of said first pair of rollers,a shaft journaled parallel with the axes of said rollers, a pair of parallel cranks connected to said shaft at the respective ends thereof, a pair of parallel connecting rods each pivoted at one end to a respective one of said cranks and at its other to said frame, abutments on said frame engaged by the respective connecting rods to tilt said frame at one extremity of its stroke over said tracks, a scraper fixedly carried by said frame for movement therewith to transfer tobacco from said feed belt to said main belt for one direction of translation only of said frame and a drive from said power driven insane to said shaft to rotate the same.

WILLIAM W. MICHAUX, J

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

